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Decemberists Keyboardist Jenny Conlee Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

Decemberists keyboardist Jenny Conlee has been diagnosed with breast cancer. In a statement on the band’s homepage, frontman Colin Meloy reveals that Conlee’s “diagnosis is very, very good for a full recovery,” but that “tackling the disease will mean some intensive treatment for our Jenny as well as a lot of important recovery time.”

The group will tour this spring and summer with Conlee’s blessing, though the keyboardist will miss all nine of the band’s concerts in May and June. Before performing with Decemberists, Conlee played in the seminal Portland, OR jamband Calobo. She also occasionally performs with her husband Steve Drizos in Jerry Joseph & the Jackmormons as well as in the bluegrass band Black Prairie

A note from Conlee reads:

Hello to Everyone,

I am very sorry to say that I will be missing a few shows coming up as I go through treatment for breast cancer. It has been great to be on tour these past few weeks. The band and crew are like family to me and have been incredibly supportive and understanding. To be making music with everyone and seeing the fans has helped me to feel more positive and keep my mind off of my diagnosis. But, alas, as the tour winds down, it is time for me to get back to reality. I will try to get into surgery as soon as I can after we return from this leg of the tour so I can begin my recovery. There are still a few unknowns out there concerning my cancer, but I am thinking positive and hope to be back on the road soon. Thanks for all of your support! See you soon!